4WD Trails in Tasman

Tasman District occupies the north-western corner of the South Island — golden beaches, the Abel Tasman coast, and the Nelson Lakes back-country on its doorstep. For 4WD drivers, the St Arnaud Range and the Wairau back-country are the draws.

The Wairau Valley road beyond St Arnaud heads into Nelson Lakes National Park and the upper Wairau back-country. The Rainbow Road (access to the Rainbow Station and the Molesworth entry) starts in Tasman District. Takaka Hill has unsealed back-roads and the Kahurangi National Park fringe tracks.

Year-round driving is possible in the valleys. Alpine tracks above 1000 metres (Rainbow, Wairau) close from June through October. The Nelson Lakes area drains quickly after rain and is generally accessible within 24 hours of a heavy fall.